Pain and suffering are part of the human experience, and at times, they can feel overwhelming. Whether physical, emotional, or spiritual, suffering can leave us questioning our faith, our future, and even God’s presence. Yet the Bible doesn’t ignore our pain—it meets it with truth, comfort, and hope.
Throughout Scripture, we see God’s people face deep hardship, but we also see a faithful God who walks with them through every valley. These verses about pain and suffering offer not only comfort but also perspective, encouraging us to lean into God’s promises and to trust Him even when we don’t understand.
God never promised a life without trials, but He did promise to be near to the brokenhearted. The Bible reminds us that suffering is not pointless—it shapes us, refines us, and draws us closer to the heart of God. It’s through these struggles that we come to know His comfort, strength, and faithfulness more deeply.
Here are 35 powerful Bible verses about pain and suffering, each with a simple explanation to guide and uplift you.
35 Bible Verses About Pain And Suffering
1. Romans 8:18
I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.
Explanation:
Paul reminds us that eternal glory outweighs temporary pain. Our suffering has a purpose and an endpoint.
2. Psalm 34:18
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
Explanation:
God is not distant in our pain—He is near, offering comfort and rescue to those who are hurting.
3. Isaiah 41:10
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
Explanation:
This verse reassures us of God’s presence and strength in the midst of suffering.
4. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Praise be to the God…who comforts us in all our troubles…
Explanation:
God comforts us so we can comfort others. Our pain can lead to ministry and compassion.
5. Revelation 21:4
He will wipe every tear from their eyes…
Explanation:
This promise looks ahead to a time when pain and suffering will be no more in God’s eternal kingdom.
6. Job 1:21
The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.
Explanation:
Even in great loss, Job worshipped God, showing faith doesn’t disappear in suffering—it deepens.
7. James 1:2-3
Consider it pure joy…whenever you face trials of many kinds…
Explanation:
Trials test our faith and grow our endurance. Suffering is part of spiritual growth.
8. 1 Peter 5:10
And the God of all grace…will himself restore you…
Explanation:
After suffering, God promises restoration and strength. He is faithful to rebuild us.
9. John 16:33
In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.
Explanation:
Jesus acknowledges hardship but also offers hope and victory.
10. Psalm 147:3
He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.
Explanation:
God not only understands our pain but also actively heals and restores us.
11. Romans 5:3-5
…suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.
Explanation:
Pain has purpose. It shapes who we are and strengthens our hope in God.
12. Isaiah 53:3
He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering…
Explanation:
Jesus understands our pain because He lived it. He walks with us through every hurt.
13. Matthew 11:28
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Explanation:
Jesus invites those in pain to find rest in Him. He offers peace and comfort to the suffering.
14. 2 Corinthians 12:9
My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.
Explanation:
God’s strength shines in our weakest moments. Suffering allows His grace to show.
15. Lamentations 3:22-23
Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed…
Explanation:
Even in sorrow, God’s mercy renews daily. His faithfulness never fails.
16. Philippians 1:29
For it has been granted to you…to suffer for him.
Explanation:
Suffering for Christ is a privilege, not a punishment. It connects us to His mission.
17. 1 Peter 4:12-13
Do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal…
Explanation:
Pain is not strange or unusual—it’s part of life in a broken world and can bring us closer to God.
18. Psalm 22:24
For he has not despised or scorned the suffering of the afflicted one…
Explanation:
God sees our pain. He doesn’t ignore it, and He listens to our cries.
19. Hebrews 12:11
No discipline seems pleasant at the time…but later it produces a harvest of righteousness.
Explanation:
Sometimes suffering is part of God’s discipline—meant to help us grow and mature.
20. 2 Timothy 2:3
Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.
Explanation:
Following Jesus includes hardship. But we are not alone—we suffer as part of a greater cause.
21. Psalm 30:5
Weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.
Explanation:
Pain is temporary. Joy and healing are promised in time.
22. Romans 8:28
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him…
Explanation:
Even in suffering, God is working for our good. Nothing is wasted in His hands.
23. 2 Corinthians 4:17
For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory…
Explanation:
Our pain is temporary compared to the eternal glory ahead. This gives us strength to endure.
24. Isaiah 43:2
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you…
Explanation:
God doesn’t promise to spare us from pain—but to go through it with us.
25. Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you…
Explanation:
Even in the middle of pain, God’s plans remain good—plans filled with hope and purpose.
26. Matthew 5:4
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Explanation:
God promises comfort to the grieving. Mourning is not a sign of weakness but a path to healing.
27. Psalm 73:26
My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart…
Explanation:
When we are physically or emotionally weak, God becomes our sustaining strength.
28. Ecclesiastes 3:1
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.
Explanation:
Pain and suffering are part of life’s seasons. They don’t last forever.
29. Job 5:17-18
Blessed is the one whom God corrects…
Explanation:
Suffering may be part of God’s correction, but it’s followed by healing and restoration.
30. Nahum 1:7
The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble…
Explanation:
When life is hard, God is our safe place. We can run to Him and find protection.
31. Psalm 9:9
The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.
Explanation:
God defends and protects those who are suffering. He’s a shelter for the hurting.
32. 1 Peter 1:6-7
You may have had to suffer grief…so that the proven genuineness of your faith…
Explanation:
Suffering tests and strengthens our faith, showing its true value.
33. Hebrews 4:15
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses…
Explanation:
Jesus understands our suffering—He’s felt it Himself. He offers empathy and help.
34. Micah 7:8
Though I have fallen, I will rise…
Explanation:
Pain may knock us down, but with God’s help, we rise again. There is hope after hardship.
35. Psalm 46:1
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
Explanation:
When life is painful, God is not just present—He is strong and ready to help.
Final Thoughts on Trusting God Through Pain and Suffering
Pain and suffering are part of life, but they are not the end of the story. Through every verse, we see that God is present, purposeful, and powerful in our darkest moments. He uses suffering to deepen our faith, shape our character, and draw us closer to Him.
What About You?
Which of these verses spoke to your heart? Have you experienced God’s comfort during a time of suffering? Share your story or your favorite verse in the comments below—we’d love to hear how God has met you in your pain and brought you peace.